Cricket - Whose Game Is This Anyway?

Cricket used to be a gentleman's game. Now things times have changed thanks to Australia's positive tough uncompromising cricket.

Any more takers? Is it India's game or the umpires' or the third umpires' or the match referees' or the Boards' or the spectators' or the sports writers'?

Another basic question needs to be dealt with at this juncture. Australia had been playing positive cricket since at least the last decade and winning has become a habit with them. Now, do you need to be tough, do you need to resort to relentless sledging, do you need to keep on appealing vociferously for clear not-out decisions or to constantly pressurize the umpires, for playing positive cricket?

The second cricket test between Australia and India played at Sydney during 2-6 January, 2008 has now become a part of cricket lore entirely for the wrong horrific reasons. From the first day onwards the mystifying groundless decisions of the umpires directed at India all the time are there for everyone to see. With technology available at just a motion of the hands none of the umpires thought of utilizing it. When for once they referred to it even the third umpire made a glaring mistake, again, against India.

Australia was looking forward to equal its own record of 16 consecutive test wins achieved earlier by Steve Waugh. Was it Ricky Ponting's desperation to equal Steve so that he continues to prove his credentials for 'positive' cricket or that he remains in contention for further captaincy assignments? Was it for the same reason that his team mates too remained absolutely remorseless and unmoved?

India eventually lost the Test. The goal of 'positive' cricket had been accomplished. To add insult to injury the key spinner of Team India, Harbhajan Singh was banned for three matches on alleged racist comments against Mr. Positive Symonds. It was only natural that in India, a land of passionate patriotic cricket loving millions, there was a hue and cry. The fans indulged in protest demonstrations burning of effigies ominous epilogues and so on. The media cried 'Game of Shame', 'Villain Bucknor', 'Call Team India back' and so on. The Indian Board had to act tough. Even in the Australian media there were quite a few supporters who questioned this brand of positive cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) tried its best to save cricket and the on-going Indian tour. The tables had turned again now. Being the most moneyed most powerful cricket nation of the world India lobbied hard and 'blackmailed' the ICC to rule in its favor, it was alleged.

Well, honestly, whose game is this anyway?



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